§ Lord Fearnasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many zoos operate in the North West of England; and what are the principal regulations to which they are subject. [HL3601]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)It is estimated that there are approximately 40 zoos operating in the North West of England.
Zoos are subject to the Zoo Licensing Act 1981. This was amended on 8 January this year by the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2002 which implemented in England Council Directive 1999/22/EC of 29 March 1999 relating to the keeping of wild animals in zoos.
The Act provides for licensing and inspection of zoos by local authorities.